Search results for ‘Subject term:"mental health problems"’ Sort:
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What works for peer support groups: learning from mental health and wellbeing groups in Bath and North East Somerset
- Authors:
- FIELDHOUSE Jon, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health and Social Inclusion, 21(1), 2017, pp.25-33.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore what worked well in terms of peer involvement in a diverse network of community groups for people affected by mental health problems in Bath and North East Somerset (BANES), UK. Design/methodology/approach: A participatory action inquiry approach engaged the network’s key stakeholders (group members, facilitators, and commissioners) in critical reflection on what supported successful groups. Findings: Successful groups have six characteristics: mutual support, a positive shared identity, opportunities for taking on roles, negotiated ground rules, skilled facilitation, and a conducive physical environment. Additionally, each group achieved a balance between the following areas of tension: needing ground rules but wanting to avoid bureaucracy, needing internal structure whilst also committing to group activities, balancing leadership with accountability, wanting peer leadership whilst acknowledging the burden of this responsibility, and lobbying for change in mental health services whilst acknowledging the need for support from them. Research limitations/implications: The evaluation shows a group’s success is about adaptability and group facilitation is the art of navigating a course through these competing demands above. These insights have informed plans for a practical guide for developing peer led groups and for training of peer leaders in BANES. Originality/value: This evaluation focuses on self-efficacy. It draws on group members’ own perceptions of what worked best for them to provide transferable learning about how peer led support groups might develop more generally. It can thus inform the growth of a comparatively new kind of community-based support for people with mental health problems and for their carers. (Publisher abstract)
On the ball
- Author:
- PARTON Dan
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health Today, September/October 2015, pp.28-29.
- Publisher:
- Pavilion
- Place of publication:
- Hove
A football-based mental health project is helping people with mental ill health recover through a mix of on-the-pitch action and peer support. This article provides a brief overview of the project, Football Therapy, which is run in partnership with Lewes Football Club. The project is primarily aimed at people aged 16-25 and offers free football sessions to anyone dealing with a wellbeing issue. (Edited publisher abstract)
How to support peer support: evaluating the first steps in a healthcare community
- Authors:
- LEY Ann, ROBERTS Glenn, WILLIS Dawn
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Public Mental Health, 9(1), March 2010, pp.16-25.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
The value of peer support for people with mental health issues is increasingly recognised. This study evaluates a training programme introducing intentional peer support (IPS) to those using mental health services. IPS is distinguished from other peer support by its four essential features: connection, worldview, mutuality, and moving towards. This paper explores participants' initial understandings of peer support, assesses the impact of the course in terms of subsequent peer support activities and gathers reflections about what helped and hindered putting IPS into practice. Thirty people who attended a five-day residential course in Devon were invited to two refresher/follow-up workshops. An independent assessor collected data at the start and end of the residential phase, at two months and at five months. Findings are included for 26 people who provided data on at least two occasions. The course was enthusiastically received and successfully conveyed the fundamentals of IPS. The proportions of people involved in general peer support at the start and end of the evaluation remained similar; at five months 15 people reported involvement in IPS and one had set up a group. Being connected to an existing group or network and maintaining connection with course participants was most helpful in putting IPS into practice. Hindrances included isolation and lack of opportunity. The authors conclude that ongoing support is essential to encourage the post-course development and practice of IPS.
Leading by example
- Author:
- CAROLAN Stephany
- Journal article citation:
- A Life in the Day, 10(3), August 2006, pp.27-30.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
The author describes the start of a journey by Hampshire Partnership Trust towards becoming an exemplar employer though participation in the CSIP Leading by Example project. The trust aims to become and exemplar employer for all staff - but explicitly for those who have experienced mental ill health.
Side by Side evaluation: economic analysis
- Authors:
- MCDAID David, PARK A-La
- Publisher:
- London School of Economics and Political Science. Personal Social Services Research Unit
- Publication year:
- 2017
- Pagination:
- 47
- Place of publication:
- London
This report presents findings of the economic analysis of an evaluation of the Side by Side peer support programme, which aimed to increase the availability of peer support for people experiencing mental health problems. The report also summarises key conclusions from a literature review on the cost effectiveness of peer support and explores some of the uncertainties around both the effectiveness and costs of peer support by looking at specific scenarios using a decision modelling approach. Key findings from the literature review confirm that there is little information on the cost effectiveness of peer support in the published literature, most of which is not from a UK context. Analysis of experience in Side by Side suggests that it may have a favourable impact on future costs, with improvements in mean quality life scores compared to baseline. The results of the analysis suggest that peer support can be cost effective and in some cases potentially cost saving, depending on the costs of delivering peer support. Finally, it highlights the importance of capturing the full value of the time and resources volunteered in peer support and not just paid inputs. Potentially, the reciprocal contributions of all involved in peer support will also create valuable additional components of any local mental health system. (Edited publisher abstract)
Exploring the impact of peer support in early intervention in psychosis
- Authors:
- WHITE Hannah, PRICE Laura, BARKER Tom
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health and Social Inclusion, 22(2), 2017, pp.102-109.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: Peer support (PS) has, over recent years, been implemented across a variety of NHS adult mental health settings. In November 2015, peer support workers (PSW) were introduced to an Early Intervention in Psychosis Service (EIS) in the Midlands. The purpose of this paper is to focus on organisational factors, asking how do PS impact on an early intervention in psychosis multi-disciplinary team (MDT). Design/methodology/approach: Six EIS MDT members participated in an hour-long focus group. The data were analysed using thematic analysis, in line with a qualitative methodology (Braun and Clarke, 2006). Findings: Two themes were generated, including “The values of PS” (consisting of three sub-themes: improving service engagement; personal qualities; and the peer relationship); and “The peer support role” (consisting of three sub-themes: living experience; boundaries; and alternative perspectives). Findings imply that PS in the current EIS related to: improved service engagement and greater understanding between service providers and users; which could be linked to better outcomes for service users (such as reduced duration of untreated psychosis (DUP)). Originality/value: It has been suggested that PSWs facilitate an improved understanding between service providers and service users (Repper and Watson, 2012). However, research into organisational and team benefits of PS is lacking, with a need for more exploration (Repper, 2013). The current study begins to address the lack of literature regarding the organisational impact of PS, and even further regarding early intervention. (Publisher abstract)
Peer support for children and young people's mental health: a call for evidence
- Author:
- GREAT BRITAIN. Department for Education
- Publisher:
- Great Britain. Department for Education
- Publication year:
- 2016
- Pagination:
- 10
- Place of publication:
- London
A Government call for evidence to gather people's views, knowledge and experience of peer support programmes for children and young people’s mental wellbeing. Peer support includes a variety of different models, from helping a friend discuss issues, befriending schemes, and formal group support sessions within supportive environment. The call for evidence seeks information what works in peer support for children and young people’s mental wellbeing; the approaches that are currently available; and evidence that can be applied to develop and improve services in the future. Consultation questions also cover types of support, training and accreditation that are beneficial for peer supporters, the use of online peer support, and linking peer support with specialist mental health services. Evidence can be submitted through an online survey. The call for evidence closes on Thursday 24 March 2016. A separate call has also been launched to gather the views of young people. (Edited publisher abstract)
A day in the life of a peer support worker: beginnings
- Author:
- WATSON Emma
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health and Social Inclusion, 19(4), 2015, pp.169-171.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose:The purpose of this paper is to provide an insight into the day-to-day challenges and experiences of a peer support worker. Design/methodology/approach: A reflective account of the experience of a first meeting with a peer, offering support through a series of difficult situations. Findings:Reflections are offered on the importance of relationships and overcoming feelings of disillusionment with mental health services. Originality/value:This paper adds to the small number of accounts of the experiences of Peer Support Working in mental health services and as such is highly original. (Publisher abstract)
Going back to nature
- Author:
- JEFFRIES Elisabeth
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health Today, September/October 2015, pp.12-13.
- Publisher:
- Pavilion
- Place of publication:
- Hove
A project promoting mental health recovery through contact with nature and building relationships is providing results for service users, and has the potential to bring major savings to the local mental health budget. This article looks at the Greencare project at the Iver Environment Centre in Slough which supports a range of activities in an environment that aims to promote physical, mental, social and spiritual wellbeing through contact with nature and engaging as a community. Currently it runs a Greencare Thursday group for people with personality disorders and long term complex emotional problems. The article highlights the difficulties of obtaining additional funding as Greencare do not offer traditional mainstream services. (Edited publisher abstract)
Everyone has a mental health
- Author:
- AMPLIFY
- Publisher:
- Office of the Children's Commissioner for England.
- Publication year:
- 2015
- Pagination:
- 10
- Place of publication:
- London
Summarises the findings from a survey of young people from across England about their views on mental health. Most young people said they get information about mental health online. However, the quality of information can’t be guaranteed and reliable apps are hard to find and may be expensive. Friends are the most popular group of people those seeking help go to but they aren’t always equipped to help. The findings also indicate that schools are good places to share information and some school nurses can be good for advice and help. The words most frequently used by young people searching the internet were ‘mental’ and ‘health’. (Edited publisher abstract)